Astro 278, Winter 2022
Scientific Writing
Introduction
Scientific papers are commonly considered the currency of our field.
The purpose of this 2-hour-per-week seminar is to learn the principles of
scientific writing and critical thinking. These will include the macroscopic
methods of writing and reading a scientific paper, as well as the nitty-gritty
details of constructing well-written sentences and paragraphs. Every week,
each enrolled student will submit a short writing assignment.
These writing samples will form part of the basis of an in-class writing workshop.
Course Information
Professor:
Meeting Time:
Tuesday 11:00 am - 12:50 pm; 6-107 Knudsen
While remote, we will meet on Zoom (link available on Bruin Learn)
Format & Grading:
Each class meeting will consist of a lecture presentation by Professor Shapley
on the topic of the week. The second part of each meeting will be interactive
and include both in-class exercises and workshopping of samples of student writing.
The grading for this course will be based on your weekly writing assignments
and participation in class. I expect that everyone will do just fine!
Texts
Scientific Writing and Communication
Angelika Hoffmann
This is definitely worth buying!!! An excellent reference for years to come!
The Elements of Style
William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White
A true classic! This book can be found on-line here.
Schedule of Topics:
Weekly assignments and in-class links:
Lecture #1: Introduction, and The Introduction
Writing Assignment #1
Hoffmann, Ch. 1 & 11
Lecture #2: Methods
Hoffmann, Ch. 12
Lecture #3: Results
Hoffmann, Ch. 13
Lecture #4: Discussion
Hoffmann, Ch. 14
Lecture #5: Abstract
Abstract-less Paper #1
Abstract-less Paper #2
Abstract-less Paper #3
Abstract-less Paper #4
Hoffmann, Ch. 15
Lecture #6: Bibliography and Using the Literature; Acknowledgements; Referee Reports
Hoffmann, Ch. 8 & 16
Lecture #7: Figures and Tables
Hoffmann, Ch. 9
Lecture #8: Word Choice and Placement; Sentences (Grammar, Tense, Voice, Person)
Hoffmann, Ch. 2, 3, 4
Lecture #9: Paragraphs
Hoffmann, Ch. 6
Lecture #10: Proposals; Applications
Hoffmann, Ch. 20 & 31
Useful links:
Course Website:
This website: http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~aes/AST278
Bruin Learn website: https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/74288